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6 questions on how Mississippi State is approaching this week's game against UAB

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen watches during the first quarter of the No. 1 Alabama at Mississippi State NCAA football game, Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. He'll be on that sideline Saturday, September 6, 2014, as the Bulldogs host UAB. (Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com)

Robertson was asked six questions concerning the Bulldogs and their game with the Blazers. Here are his responses:

Q: Is quarterback Dak Prescott for real? He's a dual-threat who doesn't mind using his legs, but his accuracy and decision-making were suspect in 2013. Has the offense changed much with Prescott the unquestioned starter?

A: Dak has worked very hard to become a more proficient passer in the off season with a lot of emphasis on his footwork. He looks more crisp and decisive this season.

I believe knowing it was his team heading into the spring gave him the confidence he needed to take the next step in his development.

He's is tailor made for the Mullen spread. He is a punishing runner and solid passer in the same mold as Tim Tebow, another Mullen QB.

Prescott can handle the running component and make plays in the passing game as well. It has been sort of a mixed bag before. [Former MSU QB] Chris Relf was a good runner and Tyler Russell, [another former Bulldog], was a great passing quarterback. Prescott can do both, which makes the offense more versatile.

Q: Wide receiver Jameon Lewis's youngest brother died after the win over Southern Miss. He's the team's biggest playmaker. Will he play Saturday?.

A: Jameon Lewis will play this weekend. He has dedicated his season to the untimely passing of his younger brother.

Q: Can State's defense contain this new, explosive UAB offense? With one of the SEC's top linebacker corps led by Benardrick McKinney, and the rest of the front seven, including Chris Jones, the Bulldogs find themselves dealing with a whole new spread offense and attitude.

A: MSU defensive coordinator Geoff Collins stresses the importance of stopping the run, so I am sure he has been pouring over UAB game film to see how they had their success against Troy. Mississippi State has one of the best defensive lines in the SEC, and is as athletic as anyone in the conference at linebacker. McKinney and Matthew Wells are both expected to go in the NFL draft next spring.

I believe the fact that UAB blew out Troy has the Bulldogs attention. Any chance of them looking past the Blazers was largely erased once the result of last week's win made the rounds in the locker room.

Q: Can State really take a C-USA team seriously after blowing out Southern Miss, the team that blew out UAB last fall, 49-0?

A: MSU has had its way by and large with CUSA teams under Mullen. The one C-USA school that has made MSU sweat it out has been UAB. Yes, MSU won the last two meetings, but neither was pretty a win for State. While MSU had a lopsided win over Southern Miss, they also had several teachable moments in that game. They did not take care of business in the red zone twice. Mullen called both of those turnovers "silly. They had some pass protection issues in the first half despite the fact they had been coached to expect USM to run some twists to create some confusion.

Mullen called that "disappointing." While the fans are ecstatic about a 49-point win, the team and coaching staff sees plenty of room for improvement in Week Two.

Q: What's the situation at right tackle? Last year's starter, Charles Siddoway, graduated. Who's taken his place?

A: Siddoway was the starter at right tackle the past two years. Damian Robinson has been in the program for five years now, but he suffered a torn ACL and has yet to take a step forward and take a spot. There would have been a new starter at right tackle with or without Robinson's injury. Justin Senior is now the starter and was reportedly, at worst, even with Robinson when he became injured. I am not sure how Senior graded out last week, but it appears that he did well enough to stay in the starting lineup this week.